OCR C4 2013 June — Question 1 5 marks

Exam BoardOCR
ModuleC4 (Core Mathematics 4)
Year2013
SessionJune
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicPartial Fractions
TypeRepeated linear factor with distinct linear factor – decompose only
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard partial fractions question with a repeated linear factor, requiring the form A/(x+2) + B/(x-1) + C/(x-1)². While it involves more algebraic manipulation than a simple distinct factors case, it follows a routine procedure taught in C4 with no conceptual surprises. Slightly above average difficulty due to the repeated factor increasing computational complexity.
Spec1.02y Partial fractions: decompose rational functions

1 Express \(\frac { ( x - 7 ) ( x - 2 ) } { ( x + 2 ) ( x - 1 ) ^ { 2 } }\) in partial fractions.

Question 1:
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMarks Guidance
\(\frac{(x-7)(x-2)}{(x+2)(x-1)^2} \equiv \frac{A}{x+2} + \frac{B}{(x-1)} + \frac{C}{(x-1)^2}\)B1 If no partial fractions seen anywhere, B0. SC: \(\frac{A}{x+2} + \frac{Bx+C}{(x-1)^2}\) also acceptable
\((x-7)(x-2) \equiv A(x-1)^2 + B(x+2)(x-1) + C(x+2)\)M1 Allow careless minor error but not algebraic method error; or any equivalent identity with values of \(x\) substituted or coefficients compared
\(A=4, B=-3, C=2\) or \(\frac{4}{x+2} - \frac{3}{x-1} + \frac{2}{(x-1)^2}\) ISWA1,1,1 SC: \(A=4, B=-3, C=5\) or \(\frac{4}{x+2} + \frac{-3x+5}{(x-1)^2}\) gives max 3/5 for easier case
# Question 1:

| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|--------|-------|----------|
| $\frac{(x-7)(x-2)}{(x+2)(x-1)^2} \equiv \frac{A}{x+2} + \frac{B}{(x-1)} + \frac{C}{(x-1)^2}$ | B1 | If no partial fractions seen anywhere, B0. SC: $\frac{A}{x+2} + \frac{Bx+C}{(x-1)^2}$ also acceptable |
| $(x-7)(x-2) \equiv A(x-1)^2 + B(x+2)(x-1) + C(x+2)$ | M1 | Allow careless minor error but not algebraic method error; or any equivalent identity with values of $x$ substituted or coefficients compared |
| $A=4, B=-3, C=2$ or $\frac{4}{x+2} - \frac{3}{x-1} + \frac{2}{(x-1)^2}$ ISW | A1,1,1 | SC: $A=4, B=-3, C=5$ or $\frac{4}{x+2} + \frac{-3x+5}{(x-1)^2}$ gives max 3/5 for easier case |

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1 Express $\frac { ( x - 7 ) ( x - 2 ) } { ( x + 2 ) ( x - 1 ) ^ { 2 } }$ in partial fractions.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR C4 2013 Q1 [5]}}